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Miller throws seamless bullpen session

JUPITER, Fla. -- Right-hander Shelby Miller returned to the mound on Friday for a 25-pitch bullpen session that went seamlessly, just days after Miller had to be slowed down due to shoulder soreness.

"My arm feels really good," Miller said afterward. "The ball is coming out well. I knew it was going to feel good. None of the symptoms I was feeling were bothering me as of [Thursday], so I knew that it wasn't going to be there. I knew I was going to throw a good 'pen. But the biggest thing is how it feels in the days to come."

The shoulder soreness that had been bothering Miller surfaced after -- not during -- the live batting practice session he threw last Saturday. That's why the next day or so will provide an even better barometer of Miller's status. If nothing unexpected crops up as a result of throwing on Friday, Miller will continue his throwing program with another live BP session on Monday.

Because he got a bit behind schedule, Miller, the Cardinals' No. 2 prospect and No. 25 overall prospect according to MLB.com, is likely at least a week away from making his first Grapefruit League appearance. With the extended spring slate of games, though, the right-hander will still have plenty of time to make his pitch for a Major League rotation spot before a decision has to be made.

"I was talking with [pitching coach Derek Lilliquist] and [manager] Mike [Matheny] earlier and they said it was the best I've looked in my 'pens," Miller said. "My curveball and changeup look great. I'm locating well. I know I'm feeling better and letting it loose a little bit more."